Synonyms of before

before 1 of 2

preposition

1

as in to

earlier than

since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• to
• until
• till
• of
• prior to
• previous to
• ere
• in advance of
• 'fore
• ahead of
• afore
• fore
• up to

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following
• since
• next
• next to

2

as in against

preceding in space

the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• against
• in front of
• ahead of
• 'fore
• afore
• in advance of
• fore

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following

before

2 of 2

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr 

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time

their arrival was completely expected because a messenger had gone before

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earlier
• ahead
• already
• early
• previously
• beforehand
• now
• afore
• shortly
• preliminarily
• soon
• first
• anteriorly
• in advance
• formerly
• antecedently
• prematurely
• before long
• first off
• a priori
• presently
• erelong

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• later
• afterwards
• afterward
• after
• subsequently
• next
• behind
• by and by

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of before

Preposition

The 58 pitches would be the most he’s thrown before starting again three days later. —Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025

Ongoing litigation In recent months, more than 400 Venezuelans with TPS have been arrested during ICE check-ins and traffic stops, even though the protections were supposed to be in place before Friday’s ruling. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025

Adverb

The Neiman’s collaborator is retiring its 2040 net-zero goal, which was established in June 2021 after its 30 percent reduction was validated by the SBTi the year before. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025

SoCal Edison did not shut the remaining eight off at any time before, during or after the Eaton fire was spreading in January, records indicate. —Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025

Phrases Containing before

• before long